Five Alfred State students this month will compete in a cross-country rally that pits teams against the clock and one another for the chance to win a $50,000 grand prize.

Held June 20-28 this year, The Great Race will stretch nearly 2,000 miles of the legendary Route 66 from Kirkwood, MO, to Santa Monica, CA. The race is an annual vintage car event designed to commemorate the original around-the-world “Great Race” that took place in 1908, which was won by a driver and car from Buffalo.

According to www.greatrace.com, the race’s route changes each year and has covered all but one of the lower 48 states. Entrants participate in a timed, controlled speed and endurance competition over scenic public highways and roads.

Each team’s score is the result of its ability to follow all designated course instructions precisely. The 2015 “Grand Champion” will win $50,000, with the total purse being $150,000.

Alfred State is one of about 120 competitors in this year’s race, and one of four student teams in the X-Cup division. In this division, drivers must be at least 21 years old and younger than 25 at the start of the race. Navigators must be younger than 22 at the start.

Representing Alfred State in the race will be Andrew Carpino, automotive service technician, Caledonia; Nick Reale, autobody repair, Jamestown; Tom Rifenburgh, automotive service technician, Worcester; Ryan Valle, motorsports technology, New Windsor; and Ryan Madison, automotive service technician, Rochester. The Pioneers will drive a 1953 Dodge Power Wagon that approximately 10 students in several majors worked on regularly throughout the spring semester. Work included rebuilding the engine and all drivetrain components, and installing new brakes, wiring, lights and gauges.

The team was recently awarded a $1,000 grant from the Antique Auto Club of America (AACA) and has been raising funds for the trip through its GoFundMe page, www.gofundme.com/alfredpowerwagon. Accompanying the members on their journey will be Automotive Trades Professor Mike Ronan, who helped form a new AACA student chapter on campus. He said the students learned to work as a team, “as we refurbished the Power Wagon many nights” after classes.

“The event will provide an once-in-a-lifetime experience for those participants who go on the trip to California and back,” Ronan said.

Pictured are Alfred State students along with the 1953 Dodge Power Wagon they will use to compete in this year’s Great Race. From left to right are Ryan Madison, Tom Rifenburgh, Nick Reale, Andrew Carpino (crouching in the back of the truck) and Ryan Valle.

Two Alfred State faculty members were honored recently with a Leadership through Civic Engagement Award.

The award is presented annually by the College Council to acknowledge students, faculty, staff, and alumni who have led or initiated exemplary academic and/or co-curricular initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to engaging in the community— locally, nationally, or globally — through service, volunteerism, activism, politics, and much more. This year’s recipients were Brent Kelley, Belfast, assistant professor in the Culinary Arts Department and Terry Palmiter, Alfred Station, assistant professor in the Architecture and Design Department.

Kelley has demonstrated leadership in civic engagement in a number of ways. He plays an integral role in planning the BP-sponsored Holiday Community Dinner. This year marked the fourth year of this event, which functions as a partnership with the Salvation Army, the Allegany County United Way, BP, and Alfred State Culinary Arts. Alfred State provides a festive, fine dining experience for families that have requested assistance through the Salvation Army.

The most recent event on Dec. 9 involved five faculty, six alumni, and 22 students serving 120 community members. Kelley also supports the coordination of a community outreach effort with the Warming House in Olean. Culinary arts students have prepared meals and shared food with this soup kitchen - an outreach that provides one meal a day to disadvantaged community members. Kelley shares his knowledge and skills to not only prepare students for a career in the culinary arts, but enables students to apply these skills for community benefit.

Palmiter has been on the leading edge of incorporating civic engagement projects in the classroom. During the spring 2014 semester, Palmiter directed studio projects focusing on Temple Beth-El in Hornell to offer National Register listing assistance, and the Finger Lakes Boating Museum in Hammondsport to offer assistance in designing signage, a lakeside facility, entrance, and display areas.

More locally, he has collaborated with the Alfred State Architecture Club and Alfred University to design the current bus stop in Alfred. And he was instrumental in leading documentation, condition assessment, and stabilization for the Rail and Titsworth Canal Warehouse in Belfast. An earlier community service project involved the design and construction of Alfred’s Kenyon Children's Park. Over the years, Palmiter has shown a high level of ongoing involvement within the community, enabling his students to apply their architecture skills to generate positive civic impact in the community. Palmiter has demonstrated a continuing commitment to leadership in civic engagement.

The Pioneer Award acknowledges those who have demonstrated commitment and dedication to the college mission and goals, have made contributions that have had meaning and measurable positive impact on college operations, are seen as positive role models and show creativity and initiative, and have shown a consistent level of exceptional performance throughout their employment.

Weber consistently demonstrates outstanding commitment to the college and regularly provides exceptional service to all those she comes in contact with. As the application processing secretary in the Admissions Office, she has a high level of responsibility and manages a multitude of items related to the processing of applications in an accurate and efficient manner despite a very heavy workload. Weber’s outstanding work ethic, consistent high level of performance, her initiative, and her significant contributions to the college and the Admissions Office make her an extremely valuable member of Alfred State.

Smith has been employed by the college since June 2004, first as a student employee and then as an instructional support assistant at the College Farm. A graduate of the agriculture program at Alfred State, she spends time with the students and teaches them about having a passion for farming and how to really love and treasure the animals. She strives to be a good role model to our students, faculty, and staff, and has demonstrated a consistent level of exceptional performance. Agriculture students who are at the farm speak very highly of Smith and the work she does.

Wesche has served the campus Facilities Services Department with great dedication for more than four years. Prior to his role as a campus electrician, he worked as an academic lab assistant on the Wellsville campus in the electrical construction and maintenance electrician program. In his current position, Wesche continuously serves the campus with a level of support that goes over and above the call of duty. Much of this work is in behind-the- scenes roles of reviewing construction design documents, raising questions regarding NEC code requirements, or engaging with utility providers and contractors in making sure the college’s electrical systems are functioning at the highest level.

Ronan is and has been consistently enthusiastic about his work, be it teaching students, being an active Middle States Committee member, organizing and pulling off the annual New York State High School SkillsUSA competition for 20-plus years, or spearheading the annual Sigma Tau Epsilon-driven/supported Veterans’ Park cleanup. His energy and upbeat mood seem never to wane. This positive attitude is contagious for his students and co-workers. In 1985, Ronan “hit the ground running” and has never slowed. His work ethic inside and outside the classroom has made him one of Alfred State’s finest and most respected faculty members.

Morehouse has consistently and continuously demonstrated commitment to the college and his professional field. He is a role model for other professionals and students, and continues to be a high-performing member in the Division of Student Affairs. While Morehouse has consistently excelled in his role as both residence hall director and area coordinator, building strong relationships with students, staff, and faculty, and meeting and exceeding the expectations of his positions, it is the work beyond this scope that bests demonstrates his commitment to and impact on the college. He has continually given both his time and creative energy to help develop an enriching co-curricular culture.

Recipients are nominated by their peers and selected by the Reward and Recognition Committee.

Any high school graduates who haven’t finalized their plans for the fall or any adults looking to complete their education are invited to attend Alfred State’s Instant Decision Days this summer.

Offered on Thursdays beginning June 25, Instant Decision Days will run until Aug. 13 for students who are interested in attending the fall 2015 semester. Prospective students can have their application reviewed, tour the campus, and meet with an admissions counselor to learn of the admissions decision all in the same day.

Interested students must complete the SUNY application online at suny.edu and bring a high school transcript, personal essay, and college transcript(s) if applicable.

Once again, Alfred State will host the New York State STEM Education Collaborative Summer Institute, taking place July 12-14 this year.

The theme is “Building Futures from Pre-K to Careers.” The institute is designed for engaging kindergarten-through-grade-12 and college-level teachers and administrators. State Sen. Catharine Young (R-Olean) recently signed a proclamation honoring this year’s summer institute.

“Alfred State, as a college of technology, is excited about hosting the STEM Summer Institute and we look forward to another successful event connecting K-12 and college faculty on best practices,” said Dr. Craig Clark, dean of Applied Technology and Summer Institute co-chair.

The STEM Institute provides attendees with 12 professional development hours spread out over eight sessions via a wide array of presentations and keynote addresses. College professors and teacher experts will demonstrate how the four STEM areas can be logically and effectively integrated into each subject area. Keynote and banquet speakers include Dr. Frederic Bertley, senior vice president of Science and Education at The Franklin Institute; Dr. Yvonne M. Spicer, vice president for Advocacy and Educational Partnerships at the National Center for Technological Literacy at the Museum of Science, Boston; and Dr. Michael Hacker, co-director of the Center for STEM Research (CSR) at Hofstra University.

Last year’s summer institute, also held at Alfred State, was a great success, with more than 200 attendees. New this year is the presentation of the annual Margaret Ashida STEM Leadership Award, which honors the memory of Margaret Ashida, who created a wave of change by her tireless efforts to create connections between business/industry and STEM educational leaders, not only in New York State, but across America.

Danielle White, of Hornell, has been appointed the new executive director of Institutional Advancement at Alfred State, effective July 2.

White has served in the position on an interim basis since Dec. 1. Prior to that, she had been the director of Annual Giving in the Office of Institutional Advancement since December 2009, overseeing the college’s annual fundraising campaigns.

As executive director of Institutional Advancement, White will report to the executive vice president and will work closely with the President’s Office in leading the advancement initiative for the college. The functions of the Institutional Advancement Department include annual giving, planned giving, major gifts, capital campaigns, alumni relations, grants, and corporate relations.

Alfred State Executive Vice President Valerie Nixon said White served as an exceptional interim director.

“I look forward to working with her as she continues her exemplary work,” Nixon said.

White will oversee an advancement program that engages alumni, business and industry, and friends of the college. As a member of the college’s leadership team, she will provide input regarding major decisions affecting the operations of Alfred State and its planning for the future.

White will also serve as the executive director of the Alfred State College Development Fund, Inc., which raises funds for the college. Dale Stell, chair of the Alfred State Development Fund Board, said he is delighted that White has been appointed to her new role.

“Danielle was named to the interim position late last fall when the position opened up and she has done an outstanding job in that role,” he said. “I have every confidence Danielle will lead Institutional Advancement with great success.”

Dr. Skip Sullivan, president of Alfred State, said, “With Danielle being named the new executive director of Institutional Advancement, great days are ahead for the Alfred State Development Fund Board, and also for our students, who will ultimately benefit from her appointment.”

Before joining Alfred State, White served as the executive director of fundraising and director of marketing at St. James Mercy Health System, marketing product manager at World Kitchen, and marketing category manager at Pezrow. She holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a BS in marketing from Canisius College.

The Canisteo Central School graduate is the daughter of Deborah Hollowell, of Hornell, and Kim Kneale, of Hornell. She and her husband, Brett, are the parents of Jackson, Ava, and Ella, all at home.

Featuring 35 teams and raising approximately $17,000, the Alfred State Inaugural Golf Tournament was a big hit.

The tournament, which took place Friday, June 19 at the Wellsville Country Club, began with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. The format was Captain and Crew Modified Scramble.

Pro shop gift certificates were presented to the top three teams in the amounts of $400, $250, and $100, respectfully. A number of other skill prizes were also awarded in categories such as closest to the pin on Hole 3 and straightest drive on Hole 7. Offered on Hole 18 was a hole-in-one prize, which was a 2015 Chrysler 200, courtesy of Maple City Dodge.

All proceeds from the tournament benefited the Alfred State Development Fund, Inc., which raises funds for the college, primarily for student scholarships. Numerous organizations, businesses, and individuals supported the event, either through volunteering, sponsorship, or donating prizes.

Danielle White, the newly appointed executive director of Institutional Advancement at Alfred State, said, “We are thrilled with the success of Alfred State’s Inaugural Golf Tournament and want to thank all of our players, the Athletics Department, volunteers, and our sponsors, including our two event sponsors, Auxiliary Campus Enterprises and Services, Inc., and Pathfinder Engineers & Architects LLP. We are so grateful for their support of our students and are excited for next year.”

Pictured are the winners of the Alfred State Inaugural Golf Tournament, along with Charles Wiser, who donated the blue jacket that was given to the captain of the team. In the front row is Alfred State University Police Campus Public Safety Officer Craig Heller. In the back row, from left to right, are Alfred State University Police Lt. Matt Heller, Jeff Wilcox, Walt Heller, and Wiser.

Alfred State broke ground on its new Advanced Manufacturing Center on the School of Applied Technology campus in Wellsville Wednesday afternoon.

The center will be used to educate welding technology and machine tool technology students in state-of-the-art sustainable practices in advanced manufacturing through efficient processes. Other uses for the facility include prototyping and assisting manufacturers in the development of new products and systems. Machine tool technology, welding, and drafting/CAD are the three areas of study within the Computerized Design and Manufacturing Department.

Attending the groundbreaking were representatives of elected officials, faculty and staff, students, and local government and community leaders. Alfred State President Dr. Skip Sullivan, the first speaker of the event, said the facility will keep the Wellsville campus, and the college in general, at the cutting edge of technology, with a focus on sustainability.

“Great things are ahead for Alfred State and many things have been changing on this campus lately,” he said, “but let me assure you, without reservation, that as far as Alfred State is concerned, the best is yet to come.”

The building will house freshman and senior welding students and senior machine tool technology students, and includes classrooms, a computer lab, a welding fabrication shop, material handling and preparation space, a CNC machine shop, and metrology and inspection space. It is expected to be in use by the fall 2016 semester, Sullivan said.

Speaking on behalf of elected officials were Julie Schmidt, district coordinator for State Sen. Cathy Young, R-Olean, and Lori Cornell, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s regional representative for Southwestern New York.

“Today’s groundbreaking serves as a reminder of how important manufacturing is, not only to our immediate area, but to New York State as a whole,” Schmidt said on Young’s behalf. “Together, we will continue to develop new and innovative technology and manufacturing systems that will help stimulate and grow our economy and pave the way for our future generations.”

The $5 million, 16,500-square-foot center is part of the $15 million “Retooling the Southern Tier” SUNY 2020 project. Empire State Development also awarded Alfred State a $500,000 grant for equipment for the center in 2013 through the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council (WNYREDC) process.

Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony comes four months after the Educational Foundation of Alfred, Inc. signed a contract that leases land on the School of Applied Technology campus designated for the center to the State University of New York (SUNY) for 30 years. This move was required to allow the SUNY 2020 funds to be used to construct the building, according to Dr. Craig Clark, executive director and dean of the School of Applied Technology. The college currently rents the Wellsville campus from the Educational Foundation and the center is the first state-funded building on that campus since it opened in 1966.

Since the 1990s, Dresser-Rand in Wellsville has provided space for senior welding and senior machine tool programs. While the company has been a great host, the college’s goal has always been to move these programs onto the Wellsville campus, and the SUNY 2020 grant made that possible, according to Clark.

The fourth speaker at the ceremony was Steven D. Fernaays, architect and senior associate for SWBR Architects, whose team designed an efficient building envelope that will minimize energy usage.

“Overall, we feel, and we hope you do also, that this building will greatly enhance the student experience,” he said. “It will assist the faculty in preparing the students for the real world and will be something for all to be proud of for many years to come, as it will help students successfully transition from academia to industry.”

The final speaker was Fred Thompson, vice president of LeChase Construction, the general contractor of the project. He mentioned that LeChase has worked on dozens of projects on both Alfred State campuses for decades and has employed more than 60 of the college’s graduates over a six-decade span, including himself and Bill Goodrich, the company’s president and CEO.

“I would like to thank the State University Construction Fund and Alfred State for once again entrusting LeChase Construction with one of your esteemed projects,” he said. “I look forward to standing here with all of you in the near future upon its successful completion.”